Goode calls for lifetime bans for any Scarlets fans guilty of racism

Andy Goode, the former England fly-half, has called for any Scarlets supporters involved in alleged racist remarks directed at La Rochelle players during the Champions Cup quarter-final on Friday to be banned for life.

Scarlets are cooperating with an investigation by tournament organisers into claims of racist comments and chants from a small group of fans during the 29-17 victory.

Supporters took to social media to complain that “monkey noises” and “very offensive racist words” had been made during the match.

Goode, who now works as a commentator, said there was no place for such behaviour in the game. “Hearing about some potential racism from a small minority of Scarlets_fans against some of the La Rochelle players on Friday,” Goode tweeted. “No place for it, so hope they get banned for life. Credit to the Scarlets supporters for calling them out, too.”

Goode this season called for France centre Mathieu Bastareaud to receive a long ban for making a homophobic slur against Sebastian Negri during Toulon’s defeat of Treviso in the Champions Cup pool stages. Bastareaud was banned for three weeks and missed the final pool match against Scarlets.

Scarlets, who have reached their first Champions Cup semi-final since 2007, described the alleged behaviour as unacceptable.

“An investigation will be undertaken to understand the full facts and background of the incident before commenting further,” said Scarlets. “We have a proud history of being a family club and events such as completely unacceptable.

“The vast majority of the 15,500 sell-out crowd at Parc y Scarlets enjoyed a wonderful occasion.”

A European Professional Club Rugby spokesman said: “EPCR is working with Scarlets in order to establish the facts.”

Scarlets’ victory set up a semi-final with Leinster at the Aviva Stadium, to be played on the weekend of April 21-22. this are